Reflexology by its
nature is a wonderful tool for health prevention as it works from the inside
out. It
has been demonstrated over the last few decades that the body’s natural
healing resources are stimulated1 during a Reflexology treatment
resulting in all functions of the body to become more balanced, including
hormonal function. Reflexology helps lift one's mood which encourages us to be more proactive in our well-being.
The following
statement though struck a chord:
''There's a waiting list for treatment, but
there's no waiting list for prevention'' says Melbourne University's Professor Rob Moodie2.
After a heart attack, about 40% of
patients do not follow their doctor’s advice to change their lifestyle2. We have become complacent
in the face of Western medicine, and believe that medical science will take
care of all our ills and can fix us quickly without too much hassle.
The media is partly to blame as it reports
the unusual and the extreme such as an IVF Mum at 50 and some research that led
to a major breakthrough. Along the way the heart broken couples that gave up on
a family and the serious affects of disease are not mentioned.
Asked what caused their illness, most
people mention stress, it is an outside contributor so there is no need to take
responsibility as stress ‘cannot’ be controlled and let’s face it, not only do
most of us have stress at some stage in our lives but it is also invisible, so,
easy to blame.
Lifestyle is a huge contributor to our
ills. Advertising promises delicious foods and drinks that will enhance our
lives. Our taste buds have been conditioned, and to be honest we have become
addicted to the added ingredients, such as salt and sugar, to make the food
taste good.
Taking
responsibility for our own health
Are we ready – and encouraged – to look
at prevention? Change the way we eat and exercise? Are we ready to put the
effort in? It is said that it takes 21 days to change a habit.
We can be ‘pro-active in prevention’ by
eating healthy, simple foods and by exercising. These steps do not need to take
hours in the kitchen or in the gym. Simple, healthy meals do not take long to prepare
and walking can be pleasurable by adding a sense of fun, ask a friend to join
you and/or chose an interesting walk.
Feeling
better
The production of the ‘feel good’
hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine are released after exercise
and eating a healthy diet. These hormones make us feel happier and they reduce
anxiety and stress. The body also feels more energetic. It is worth trying for
at least 21 days, the time needed to change a habit!
Support
Last but not least, have regular
treatments that will enhance your well-being, Being a Reflexologist, I
certainly advocate receiving these treatments regularly as it supports body and
mind which lift the spirit which in turn can motivate to implement healthy changes. Other treatments that are
very beneficial are, to name just a very few: Reiki, massage, acupuncture and a
nutritionist advises on a healthy, balanced diet.
Conclusion
If prevention were
well done, you would never know if a specific problem would have appeared1.
References:
1.
Kruchik, M. Maternity Reflexology. Retrieved from
http://www.maternityreflexology.net/?categoryId=4337
2.
Dunn, A. (2013). The Age. Retrieved from
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/taking-note-of-the-me-in-medicine-20130802-2r4zc.html
